refurb iphone 8gb = 250 yes... but any iphone that has been unlocked/pwned sells for more. The fact that it's used will take away from the price but the fact that it's unlocked makes the world of difference. People will still be wanting an awesome phone... and the new iphone 3g's unlocked will sell for outrageous prices. I don't think it will be hard to sell you're old phone for a decent return

iPhone: iPhone 3G (had original OTB 1.1.1)
firmware: 2.1
status: Not Pwned (too much trouble for not as much reward now that Appstore is around, I like being able to back up my iPhone and do updates without having to completely erase everything and start over.)
service: AT&T (Cingular) USA
MMS: not applicable

usually you have to wait 18 months before your available to get an upgrade which gives you the discount. If you haven't had your phone for 18 months then I doubt youll get any discount. You'll pay full price for the phone.

Great idea for them to do this while nobody can qualify for the upgrade discount.

Actually its not 18 months its half your contract term. When I bought my iPhone in august I was 2 months away fromupgrade and they told me it doesn't matter you can't get half off like on other phones when you buy an iPhone. And im sure they would be MORE than happy to give you another 2 year contract! =]

Actually its not 18 months its half your contract term. When I bought my iPhone in august I was 2 months away fromupgrade and they told me it doesn't matter you can't get half off like on other phones when you buy an iPhone. And im sure they would be MORE than happy to give you another 2 year contract! =]

Hello - READ - anyone that purchased and activated a iphone with ATT has been available for upgrade since day one! If you purchase the new iphone coming out and it actually has a ATT service discount of $200 you will get that and renew your contract for 2 years. All the ATT iphone contracts ARE available to upgrade! Go online and check your account.

it seems lately that the terms "news" and "speculation" have become synonymous...

Yeah, what's up with this? An insider also told me that the new iPhone will do your homework and laundry. Until they actual come with a press release of what it is, I really think that giving so much weight to speculation does nothing but show a lack of commitment to facts.

The fact is that we know nothing of what's coming, so why throw gas to a flame?

Whilst I'm please that theres a new 3G iPhone coming soon (after spending 2 days away from WiFi - Edge is horrible), but I'm also a bit dissapointed with Apple at the same time.

The iPhone hasn't even been out a year yet and hasn't even been in Europe for 6 months! Most people have signed up to 18 month contracts - meaning that they're going to have months to go until they can upgrade without a huge expense.

Personally it doesnt affect me as I bought a launch 8gb iPhone from USA and unlocked it for UK use when the first software hacks came out. I upgraded to the 16GB a couple of months ago - again with no contract... but the iPhone cost me £350 (I got £250 back for my 8gb one).

So in another few months once the new 3G version is unlocked, I'll 'HAVE' to buy another new model... and lose out on more cash when I sell my 'old' model.

I realise phones are a constantly evolving product - but I think introducing a new version after less than a year is out of order.
Having said that though - I'll definately buy one as I think the current iPhone is a genious piece of equipment - and 3G and GPS (if thats true?) would make it complete. Surely with 3G picture/video messaging would be added?!?!

you are on the right track, from my 2 years working for at&t wireless and 3 with tmobile, i would be willing to bet that you will have to have had a contract long enough to qualify for an upgrade.

then, you will only be given a discount on the 3g iphone according to your payment history and time on contract along with your rate plan. all these factors determine what, if any, your upgrade price will be.

then, you will be sent the new phone, pay by credit card or on your bill any upgrade fees, and then they send you the new phone and you send your old one back in the box they sent your new one in.

For 200 dollars and 3G, its not bad for even current iPhone owners (just think of it as an upgrade + removing all your scratches)

That's a very good point, lowering the price of the iPhone would drop the iPhone's value as a status icon.

Status icon? Seriously? People buy stuff for that? When I bought the iPhone, I got it for what it could do, which is what I wanted in a phone, and then some more. I didn't buy it so I could look could.

I mean, seriously, you guys are arguing that making the iPhone more EXPENSIVE is a GOOD thing because it'll prevent someone else who has no outcome in who you are and no opinion in what you do from getting it? Seriously?